Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion

A specialized, fragrance-free body moisturizer designed to soothe dry, itchy, and atopic skin using Ceramides for barrier repair and Polidocanol for immediate itch relief.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula is highly effective for dry, itchy, or eczema-prone skin. It features Ceramide NP, a lipid essential for restoring the skin barrier, and Glycerin, a premier humectant. The inclusion of Laureth-9 (Polidocanol) and Menthoxypropanediol provides immediate relief from itching and a cooling sensation. 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol is a specialized soothing agent that reduces stinging and burning. The base of Shea Butter derivatives (Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides) and Dimethicone ensures excellent moisture retention.

Safety Rating: 4.3

The product is fragrance-free, significantly reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive skin. It relies on Benzyl Alcohol and Ethylhexylglycerin for preservation, avoiding parabens and formaldehyde releasers. However, it does contain ethoxylated ingredients like PEG-100 Stearate and Laureth-9, which are generally safe but scrutinized in strict ‘clean beauty’ standards. Menthoxypropanediol is a menthol derivative; while soothing, it could potentially irritate broken skin in rare cases.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a superior therapeutic body moisturizer. It goes beyond simple hydration by incorporating specific active ingredients like Ceramides and Laureth-9 to address the root causes of dry, itchy skin (barrier damage and irritation). It is formulated without fragrance, making it a safe and high-performance choice for compromised skin barriers.

Verdict

This formulation is a robust solution specifically engineered for those struggling with atopic dermatitis, eczema, or chronically itchy skin. It moves beyond simple hydration to address the root causes of discomfort and barrier dysfunction, making it more of a treatment product than a standard daily lotion. By focusing on the itch-scratch cycle, it aims to calm reactive skin quickly.

The inclusion of Ceramide NP is a standout feature. In healthy skin, ceramides form the mortar between skin cells; however, atopic skin often lacks these lipids, leading to cracks, irritation, and moisture loss. By replenishing them, this lotion helps rebuild the skin’s natural defense system. This barrier repair is supported by Arginine HCL, an amino acid that aids in skin recovery, and a host of fatty acids like Stearic Acid and Palmitic Acid that reinforce the lipid layer to keep irritants out.

What truly sets this product apart is the specific focus on sensory regulation. Laureth-9, often known as Polidocanol, acts as a mild local anesthetic to numb itching sensations on the surface. This is paired with Menthoxypropanediol, a synthetic derivative of menthol that provides a cooling sensation without the intense irritation sometimes associated with pure menthol. Additionally, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol is included to dampen sensory overreaction, effectively soothing stinging and burning immediately upon application.

The base is heavily reliant on Glycerin, a gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin. Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides and Isopropyl Palmitate function as rich emollients to smooth rough patches and lock that moisture in. The addition of Dimethicone adds a protective, breathable occlusion that prevents transepidermal water loss without clogging pores.

Ideally suited for reactive skin, the formula avoids traditional fragrances, which are common triggers for flare-ups. The texture is balanced by Distarch Phosphate, ensuring the rich cream doesn’t feel overly greasy or sticky. Overall, this is a highly effective treatment for managing the uncomfortable symptoms of atopic skin conditions.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin; a gold standard moisturizer.

🧪 Pentylene Glycol / 戊二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Also has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce preservative load.

📁 Active Ingredients (Soothing & Barrier Repair) / 活性成分(舒缓与屏障修复)

🧪 Laureth-9 / 月桂醇聚醚-9

Purpose: Anti-itch agent, Emulsifier

Concerns: None in standard concentrations

Notes: Also known as Polidocanol; effective for relieving itching and soothing eczema-prone skin.

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential for repairing and maintaining the natural skin barrier.

🧪 Arginine HCL / 精氨酸 HCL

Purpose: Skin conditioning, pH adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: An amino acid that helps maintain skin health and hydration.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚(维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin from free radical damage.

🧪 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol (Trans-Isomer) / 4-叔丁基环己醇(反式异构体)

Purpose: Soothing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Known commercially as SymSitive; reduces skin stinging and burning sensations.

🧪 Menthoxypropanediol / 薄荷氧基丙二醇

Purpose: Cooling agent

Concerns: May cause irritation on broken skin

Notes: A synthetic derivative of menthol that provides a cooling sensation with less odor.

📁 Emollients & Lipids / 润肤剂与脂质

🧪 Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides / 氢化椰油甘油酯类

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil; softens skin.

🧪 Isopropyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient, Texture enhancer

Concerns: Comedogenic (High potential to clog pores)

Notes: Makes skin feel silky but can be problematic for acne-prone areas.

🧪 Triisostearin / 三异硬脂精

Purpose: Emollient, Viscosity control

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a rich feel.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive, Emollient

Concerns: Environmental accumulation (non-biodegradable)

Notes: Forms a protective seal to prevent moisture loss and improves spreadability.

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Good for dry skin; not drying like ethanol.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Fatty Alcohol, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Softens skin and helps stabilize emulsions.

🧪 Palmitic Acid / 棕榈酸

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid found naturally in skin.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emollient, Emulsifier

Concerns: Low comedogenicity

Notes: Helps rebuild the lipid barrier.

🧪 Myristic Acid / 肉豆蔻酸

Purpose: Cleansing agent, Emollient

Concerns: Comedogenic (Medium potential)

Notes: Provides texture.

🧪 Arachidic Acid / 花生酸

Purpose: Emollient, Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A saturated fatty acid.

🧪 Oleic Acid / 油酸

Purpose: Emollient, Texture enhancer

Concerns: May disrupt barrier in high concentrations

Notes: Rich fatty acid often derived from olive oil.

📁 Emulsifiers & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend oil and water.

🧪 PEG-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination risk (1,4-dioxane) if not purified

Notes: Often used with Glyceryl Stearate.

🧪 Sorbitan Stearate / 司盘-60 (山梨坦硬脂酸酯)

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from sorbitol and stearic acid.

🧪 Distarch Phosphate / 双淀粉磷酸酯

Purpose: Absorbent, Anticaking

Concerns: None

Notes: Modified starch; reduces greasiness.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, Gel-forming agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the formula’s viscosity.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential allergen/irritant for sensitive skin

Notes: Often used in natural cosmetics.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Increases efficacy of other preservatives.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH Buffer, Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps maintain product stability.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritation in high concentrations

Notes: Used here in small amounts to balance pH.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form

Notes: Used to neutralize thickeners like Carbomer; safe in final product.

🧪 Trisodium EDTA / EDTA 三钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Environmental persistence

Notes: Prevents heavy metals from spoiling the product.